Personal Narrative:

I am a learner, a teacher, and a teacher educator, as well as a mentor and a mentee. I am both a leader and a team member, as well as a child and a parent. In those every changing roles and others, gratitude plays an important part of my daily life; I
am most grateful for my students and colleagues, who support my growth as I work to support theirs.

My grandparents immigrated to this country, entering through Elis Island, unable to speak English. Exactly fifty-seven years later, the daughter of their youngest child began teaching English to middle level students. I marvel at and am grateful for the
opportunities I have been given on the backs and hard work of my parents and grandparents. My story is not unique. Many students at IUP are first generation college students who work in addition to attending classes.

Having a sense of humor is important in our work as students and educators. Kindness and care of others is an underpinning of our service work to our constituents and to each other.

Undoubtedly, days will turn into weeks and months, then years. Time goes by as we learn and work together. Looking at challenges gratefully and as opportunities for growth is something to embrace and to model for our students!

Quotes help us to frame our work and lives. Below are few of my favorite quotes:

Dedicated
to my father and mother, who wanted me to be a brain surgeon. I exceeded their
expectations. I became a scholar and a teacher.

-Harry K. Wong, dedication of his book, How to be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of School

Never look
back, unless you are planning to go that way. Henry David Thoreau